Online Gambling Louisiana

Land-Based Casinos in Louisiana

23 licensed brick-and-mortar facilities are operating in Louisiana. They fall under four classifications. Many are Riverboats.

The rest are racinos and Native American venues, and there is a single land-based state-regulated casino.

Up until 2018, state-regulated operations were only allowed to serve on Riverboats. Lawmakers decided to allow land-based casinos; thus far, only a single venue has opened.

However, this will soon change as multiple properties are planning moves to land-based facilities.

The state has approved multiple projects; at least 15 current riverboats will move.

Horse & Dog Tracks

Horse racing and betting on horse racing are legal in Louisiana and regulated by the Racing Commission.

You can bet on horses at the four racinos in the state, along with 20 off-track betting locations throughout the state.

Advance Deposit Wagering is legal but is only available through licensed sportsbooks and racebooks.

Online Sports Betting

Authorities legalized online sports betting in 56 of 64 parishes in 2020.

It is still illegal to bet on sports online in Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, LaSalle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn. 

If you live in a parish where sports betting is illegal, you can still travel to parishes where it is lawful and gamble.

Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling

Charitable gambling is legal in three forms in Louisiana. Philanthropic organizations can offer raffles, Keno, and bingo games.

Organizations need a license from the Office of Charitable Gaming. 

LA regulates all areas of charitable wagering and requires manufacturers and distributors of supplies and machines to get a license.

Electronic bingo is legal and requires a separate permit.

Social Gaming at Home

Louisiana is lenient in its social gambling laws. They are more concerned over commercial operations than someone holding a football betting pool or home poker hand.

Social gaming is legal as long as the host is not profiting.

They can participate but cannot charge rake, entry fees, or accept tips for services provided. 

Home poker games and tournaments are also legal. Tournament buy-ins are not illegal as long as all money is returned as prize money to the winners.

Poker Rooms and Clubs

Currently, ten live poker rooms in Louisiana offer cash games and tournaments. All are in casinos and have Texas Hold’em and Omaha Poker.

Some even have Seven Card Stud, Lowball, and more.

LA does not regulate in-state online poker, including sweepstakes sites. However, you can play at social or offshore poker rooms.

Video Poker

State laws allows bars, restaurants, and truck stops to operate video poker.

Furthermore, an establishment with a liquor license in the state can have up to three machines.

Video poker games can also be found inside “truck stops”, casinos and racinos. 

If you see discrepancies on other websites on the number of gambling operations in Louisiana, it is likely because they include establishments that call themselves casinos but only offer video poker.

Casino Cruises

While there are many Riverboat casinos in Louisiana, they are primarily docked boats that never sail.

The state law allows commercial cruise lines to offer casinos.

Carnival Cruise Lines offers casino cruises that leave out of New Orleans. Usually, these cruises allow gambling once the ship hits international waters.

Online Slots

Louisiana hasn’t yet regulated online casinos within its borders, but you can still play real money slots at offshore sites without fear of prosecution.

All offshore casinos offer a much greater variety than what you’ll find in brick-and-mortar regulated venues.

You’ll find everything from classic single lines to modern mechanics like scatter pays, bonus buys, and cascading wins.

Also, you can try your luck at small fixed jackpots or massive progressives with up to seven-figure prizes.

Online Poker

In-state online poker rooms are not currently permitted under LA law. The good news is you can still access sites regulated outside.

The best offshore card rooms for Louisianans are operated by established brands and offer games and tournaments in Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Let Em Ride, and Pai Gow.

The other options for poker in the Bayou State are all in person. Either at land-based facilities or playing for fun at home.

Blackjack

Online blackjack is only available via gambling sites regulated outside of Louisiana.

Variants you can find include European Blackjack, Vegas Blackjack, Pontoon, 21+3 Blackjack, Perfect Pairs Blackjack, and more.

Blackjack is the most popular table game in LA live casinos, and there are plenty of possibilities to play in land-based facilities.

Live Dealer Games

These live dealer titles offer the same games as brick-and-mortar casinos, along with a few unique options.

Possibilities in offshore sites include live dealer blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Hold’em poker, Sic Bo, and lottery-style.

Game shows are also popular, with Music Wheel among the most popular.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Louisiana?

Some forms of online gambling are legal in Louisiana. Online sports betting is permitted in 56 of 64 parishes, and fantasy sports is lawful in 47.

Advance Deposit Wagering is allowed throughout the state, but you can only bet at licensed sportsbooks and racinos. 

All other forms of online wagering are not licensed under LA law. Violators can be subject to fines and potential jail time.

However, the State Police tend to go after those operating illegal businesses rather than players.

Players in the Bayou State can still access out-of-state online casinos.

Penalties for Illegal Gambling

Louisiana defines gambling as any business operating a game of any type where a “person risks the loss of anything of value in order to realize a profit.”

Anyone who commits the crime can be subject to a fine of up to 500 and potential jail time of up to six months.

Penalties for operating, managing, or financing an illegal business are quite severe, with fines of up to $20,000 and up to five years in prison.

(Section 14:90 of Louisiana Revised Statutes)

Computer Gambling Illegal

Louisiana law also covers “Gambling by Computer,“ which makes all unregulated online betting outlawed.

The penalties are the same as for standard gaming.

Punishments for operating an illegal online business cover the operators and managers but also site developers and server administrators.

The sentences are the same as for operating a standard prohibited business.

Video Poker Special Law

The Video Draw Poker Devices Control Law covers video poker. 

Casinos, racinos, and certain businesses can offer up to 3 machines.

Licensed establishments cover those that have liquor licenses for on-premises consumption. This includes off-track betting parlors, restaurants, bars, and qualified truck stops. 

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board issues the licenses.

Legal Forms of Gambling Under State Law

Several gambling activities are exempted from Louisiana gambling laws. They are as follows:

• Riverboat and tribal gambling
• Video Poker at licensed establishments
• Charitable gaming
• Pari-mutuel betting and Advance Deposit Wagering
• Slot machines at horse racing facilities (Racinos)
• Louisiana State Lottery
• Fantasy sports
• Sports betting

While legal at the state level, some activities, like fantasy sports and sports betting, are still illegal in select parishes.

Avoid Unlicensed Casinos

Reputable sites hold a license from a regulator like the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.

Casinos that are licensed follow strict practices for player safety and game fairness.

Pick Brands With an Established Reputation

Your best option for finding safe Louisiana gambling sites is to look for those with an established history.

Most importantly, look for casinos with numerous reviews and feedback from other players. This helps you weed out unscrupulous operators or those with questionable prestige.

Pay Attention to the RTP and House Edge

The RTP and house edge will tell you how much you can expect to win or lose over time.

The higher the return to player, the better your odds of winning.

Learn How to Play the Games Before Risking Money

Before spending a dime on casino games, ensure you understand the game’s rules.

When applicable, learn basic strategies for games. Many titles offer free-play demo versions that allow you to play the game before wagering for real.

Only Deposit What You Can Afford to Lose

Online gambling should be viewed as entertainment, so only deposit money you can afford to lose.

Never play with money needed for any purpose, like groceries or rent money.